CommentsThis was my first time using White Ash. I love the stuff. It machines great and hand planes even better. I went to my local hardwood dealer and got some offcuts of different species to see how they worked and if I liked them. I will definitely use White Ash again.

The Osage is a different story. That came special from Chicago – my friend and I found a woodlot where a tree cutting company dumped logs for firewood. We found some nice logs and decided to take a chance. I resawed them and let them dry for 2 years. I needed something for the top of this box and thought I would break out some of the Osage. This also was my first attempt at book matching anything. I need to tune up my band saw because I had to plane these down more than I cared to to get the resaw marks out. I think the grain came out really nice however.

I tried to get the grain to “wrap” the sides of the box and that came out pretty good too.

What I Learned / Things to Consider1.) Make sure you include some kind of lift. I didn’t because I ran out of time and I really regret skipping this step.

2.) Take the time to figure out how to make the lid stop and not flop all the way open. Again I was in a rush and skipped this step. You could use a simple chain stop or even use better hinges with a built-in stop (I think Brusso makes some really nice ones for ~ $20 or $25 / pair.

3.) Use hand planes as much as you can. I used my new Lie-Nielsen low angle block plane to chamfer the top and bottom edges and what a joy!!! There is something so fulfilling about using hand tools. Practice, practice, practice!

Engr. WWilson.Nice job and a very imformative words. It looks how the engineer same like me do the writing in detailed technical way. I learned a lot about the ash and Osage orange wood but its not available in the Philippines. Your TTC (things to consider) is a really a must in doing work, specially if you are limited with the materials and tools.. Thanks.